UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT MERCY SCHOOL OF LAW is hiring a legal fellow for its Veterans Law Clinic.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law seeks applications for the Detroit Mercy Law Toni Wisne Foundation Veterans Clinic Fellow, within Detroit Mercy Law's clinical program. This is an in person, eighteen-month position, with an eighteen-month option to extend contingent on funding. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. However, the position will begin no later than the start of Summer 2023 Term (May 30, 2023). The position is designed for a lawyer with one to five years of practice experience and a demonstrated interest in veteran/military law, and who is considering a career in law school teaching. Candidates should be a licensed attorney in at least one state and be prepared to become VA accredited, if not already. The principal supervisor for the position will be Professor Holly Christian who directs the Veterans Law Clinic.
Annual salary is $55,000, plus health benefits and access to university facilities.
ABOUT THE VETERANS LAW CLINIC:
The Veterans Law Clinic (VLC), one of the first Veterans Law Clinics in the United States, was established in 2008. Currently, there are more than 70 active cases in the Clinic. The VLC is a one semester three credit hour in-house clinic. The clinic operates three semesters year round. Students enrolled in the VLC represent lower income veterans, families, and survivors in obtaining pension, disability compensation, and related benefits, as well as obtaining discharge upgrades and corrections of military records. Students also provide pro se advice and referrals in some civil and criminal matters. A two credit hour Veterans Appellate Clinic (for students who have successfully completed the VLC) is also offered.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The responsibilities of the Detroit Mercy Law Toni Wisne Foundation Veterans Clinic Fellow will include the representation of VLC clients, co-supervision of students, assistance in designing and teaching weekly sessions for the VLC and Veterans Appellate Clinic, and work on scholarship and/or policy issues. The Clinical Fellow also will participate in program development, including community lawyering and outreach. Applicants are expected to know how to use the Outlook suite. The candidate will be trained on other software applications, such as the clinic's case management system, CLIO.
REQUIREMENTS:
Detroit Mercy Law is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. Candidates must work independently and as part of a team and possess strong written and oral communication skills.
Experience in creative advocacy is also desirable.
Candidates for the position must have:
(1) J.D. from an ABA (American Bar Association) accredited law school;
(2) License to practice law in at least one state
(3) strong interest, and some experience, in working on veterans or disability issues;
(4) strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including experience working with people from diverse backgrounds;
(5) ability to think imaginatively and critically about approaches to veterans problems;
(6) ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, administrators, and staff;
(7) ability to work collaboratively with community groups, veterans organizations, the VA, and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims;
(8) strong work ethic, and demonstrated understanding of the applicable ethical rules, and
(9) ability to juggle multiple competing priorities and meet firm deadlines.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Required documents and references listed below should be submitted electronically to Professor Holly L. Christian no later than May 1, 2023. Applications will be considered as received and will be accepted until the position is filled.
Documents Required:
1) Resume or Curriculum Vitae
2) Complete Law School Transcript (unofficial is fine)
3) Writing Sample
4) Cover Letter/Statement of Interest in Veterans Issues and this Fellowship
5)Three references required (name and contact information only)
Please submit documents required and contact information for references electronically in one PDF document to: Prof. Holly L. Christian at christhl@udmercy.edu.
Questions can be directed to Prof. Christian by e-mail or by calling her at 313-596-0265.
The University of Detroit Mercy is Michigan's largest, most comprehensive private University, and is an the is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Religious Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. The University seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University's mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community.
The University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse faculty and student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.